ZAMBOANGA CITY — The City Health Office (CHO) has called on residents to take measures to protect themselves against mosquito bites due to an increase in the incidence of dengue in the first quarter of the year.
Dr. Dulce Miravite, head of the City Health Office, said Wednesday the city registered a total of 454 cases of dengue from January to March, higher than the 300 cases recorded in the same period last year.
Miravite said that while the figure is not at the epidemic threshold level, the CHO has intensified its monitoring as well as its information campaign.
The health officer advised residents to eliminate standing or stagnant water, particularly in gutters or containers in and around the house as these are prime breeding places for mosquitoes.
She also encouraged the public to use mosquito repellent and clothing that would cover the arms and legs.
Meanwhile, Miravite reiterated the Department of Health’s 4S strategy against dengue: seek and destroy mosquito breeding places, secure self-protection in the form of mosquito repellent and wearing long pants and long-sleeved shirts, seek early consultation, and support fogging only in hotspot areas or during outbreaks.